The Hill

I have long been charmed by the The Myth of Sisyphus, a fascinating essay by Albert Camus. The subject of it centers around Sisyphus, the figure in Greek mythology who was sentenced to roll a boulder up a hill, with the outcome always being the boulder’s return to the bottom of the hill. At its core is the existential quandary surrounding the absurdity or meaning of a working life. Still, Sisyphus continued to repeat the task without end. Is it true that he found surrender and peace with his fate, accepted that “it is what it is,” and proudly went about doing his job? I probably project onto Sisyphus a contented resignation, a faith that sustains one who finds themselves facing The Hill, knowing that the only way around it is over it.

“Detach from results” is a mantra of mine that summarizes the saga of Sisyphus. Showing up and doing the work is what I can control, the rest is up to the Fates.